Obituary of Gordon Roy Brien

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gordon Roy Brien announces his passing at Neill Hall in Fredericton on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Moss Glen, NB, on January 6, 1934, he was the husband of the late Wendela “Wendy” Dawn Trites Waller Brien. He was the son of the late Roy Purdy Brien and Ida Pearl Vallis Brien of Moss Glen.

Gordon is survived by his children, Dr. Susan Brien (Dr. Blaine Hoshizaki), Dr. Heather Brien (Dr. Jan Orfi), and Jeff Brien; his grandchildren, Thomas, Johanna, Natassja, Naomi, Alev, and Isobel; his twin brother, George Brien; his brother, Royden Brien; his sister, Phyllis Johnston; his sisters-in-law, Joanna Rugg, Patricia Bell, and Frances Breen; his brother-in-law, Wally Waller (Linda Waller), and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Little, and brother, Ralph Breen.

Gordon was born in Moss Glen on the Kingston Peninsula, near Saint John, New Brunswick. He attended the local vocational school, worked in radio communications as a ship navigator, and then spent a forty-year career as a station agent for Air Canada, retiring in 1991.

Gordon spent many years after retirement visiting his grandchildren, in Winnipeg (Natassja Brien and Naomi Brien), Oakville (Isobel Orfi and Alev Orfi), and Ottawa (Thomas Hoshizaki and Dr. Joa Hoshizaki).

Gordon was an avid reader, and enjoyed golf and curling with his neighbours, and Air Canada colleagues. He was a licensed amateur radio operator, and enjoyed woodworking projects, including building rocking chairs, cradles, and sailboats for his family to enjoy. Gordon and Wendy particularly enjoyed spending time at the camp at Magaguadavic Lake.

The family of Gordon Brien would like to thank the healthcare teams that looked after him: the Palliative care team at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Hospice Fredericton, and the staff from the second floor of Neil Hall.

Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. The memorial service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 am with The Very Rev. Geoffrey Hall officiating. Interment for Gordon and his wife, Wendy, will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in Gordon's memory may be made to Hospice Fredericton.